Sara and Hero was a dog act from Season 12 of America's Got Talent. They finished in 5th place.
Background
Growing up in North Bay, Ontario, Canada, Sara Carson successfully ran her own dog training business for over five years. During that time period, she taught dog trick classes, obedience, puppy foundation, and agility. Currently, she is traveling North America and spending her days performing with a popular stunt dog team. Carson is considered one of the top trick dog instructors in the world and is certified through "Do More With Your Dog!" She has taught numerous free online trick classes via social media for the past few years. She has earned several agility titles and also enjoys competing in Dock Diving, Frisbee, and Canine Freestyle. Known for her appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman, Carson and Hero have captivated audiences all over the world. They have also been seen together on The Marilyn Dennis Show, CTV news, Rogers Daytime Toronto, and multiple live shows such as The Canadian Pet Expo, Purina National Dog Show, and the All About Pets Show. Carson skillfully trained Hero to take part in several commercials for Petco, the Family Channel, and the Pet Network, among others. [1]
Hero is a Border Collie that grew up in Ontario, Canada, but is currently traveling the USA with Sara. Starting at the young age of 4 months old, Hero became the world's youngest champion trick dog. He knew over 60 tricks back then and currently knows hundreds. [2]
Audition
Sara and Hero's audition in Episode 1205 consisted of Sara dancing with Hero such that it appeared like they were fighting with each other, all with a pirate theme. Although Mel B voted "No," Howie Mandel (with some convincing from Simon Cowell), Heidi Klum, and Simon voted "Yes," sending the duo to the Judge Cuts.
Judge Cuts
Sara and Hero's Judge Cuts performance in Episode 1207 consisted of performing tricks such as Hero threading through Sara's legs as she walked backwards and Hero sitting on Sara's feet while holding a bone, all with a burglary theme. Mel B, guest judge Chris Hardwick, and Simon Cowell gave them standing ovations. Sara and Hero's performance was strong enough for the judges to send them to the Quarterfinals instead of Danylo and Oskar and Lera and Nika Tomanova.
Quarterfinals
Sara and Hero's Week 3 Quarterfinals performance in Episode 1215 consisted of performing tricks that involved weaving around and hopping off Sara's body with a second dog, Loki, to Bonnie Tyler's "Holding Out for a Hero." Mel B, Heidi Klum, and Simon Cowell gave them standing ovations. Sara and Hero received enough votes to advance to the Semifinals in Episode 1216 instead of Oscar Hernandez and Junior & Emily Alabi.
Semifinals
Sara and Hero's Week 1 Semifinals performance in Episode 1217 consisted of performing tricks with Loki again that included walking across the judges' table, playing volleyball, riding a skateboard, catching frisbees, and hopping through hoops, all to Katrina & The Waves' "Walking on Sunshine." Howie Mandel, Mel B, Heidi Klum, and Simon Cowell all gave them standing ovations. Sara and Hero received enough votes to advance to the Finals in Episode 1218 instead of Billy & Emily England.
Finals
Sara and Hero's Finals performance in Episode 1221 consisted of performing tricks with Loki again that included running through tunnels and dock diving, all to Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now". Her third Collie, Marvel, appeared as well, completing a mini agility course while Hero headed out to the back of the stage. Mel B, Heidi Klum, and Simon Cowell gave them standing ovations.
Finale
For the finale in Episode 1222, Sara and Hero participated in a sketch where they held a training session with the judges and their dogs. Sara and Hero received enough votes to advance to the top 5 instead of Evie Clair. They finished in 5th place behind Darci Lynne, Angelica Hale, Light Balance and Mandy Harvey.
Trivia
- In both their Quarterfinal and Semifinal results pairings, Sara and Hero received more votes than a brother and sister duo. In both duo acts, the female's name was Emily.
- Sara and Hero are the highest progressing act of Season 12 who received a "No" vote after their audition. They are also the highest placing act to not receive a Golden Buzzer in the season.
- They are the second highest placing dog act in America's Got Talent history. The highest was Olate Dogs, finishing in first place.
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